Dyspnea corresponds to a breathing difficulty and can be temporary or chronic. It manifests itself in the form of hard breathing, comparable to the feeling of not being able to catch your breath or as wheezing. It can appear gradually or suddenly. Dyspnea may be linked to different types of pathologies of the respiratory tract, but also to other conditions such as stress or anxiety.
What kind of diseases can be associated with dyspnea?
The following diseases may be related to the problem:
- AIDS
- Food allergy
- Respiratory allergies
- Amyloidosis
- Anaphylaxis
- Anemia
- Aortic aneurysm
- Angina pectoris
- Anxiety
- Asthma
- Botulism
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Bronchitis
- Liver cirrhosis
- Coronary artery disease
- Dyslipidemia
- Embolism
- Pulmonary embolism
- Emphysema
- Hiatal hernia
- Cystic fibrosis
- Goiter
- Myocardial infarction
- Pulmonary infarction
- Heart failure
- Food intolerance
- Carbon monoxide poisoning
- Ventricular hypertrophy
- Laryngitis
- Systemic lupus erythematosus
- Chagas disease
- Myasthenia gravis
- Pleurisy
- Polycythemia vera
- Pneumonia
- Pre-eclampsia
- Anger
- Gastroesophageal reflux
- Rhinitis
- Scleroderma
- Sepsis
- Septic shock
- Syphilis
- Sinusitis
- Stress
- Tetanus
- Toxoplasmosis
- Tracheitis
- Colorectal cancer
- Cancer of the larynx
- Lung cancer
- Thyroid cancer
- Burns
Remember that this is not an exhaustive list and it is highly recommended to consult your doctor, in case of symptom’s persistence.
What is the therapy for dyspnea?
The remedies against dyspnea depend on whether the disorder is related to transient conditions or acute and persistent. If the dyspnea is caused by stress or anxiety, it may be enough to rest, drink a glass of water and relax.
In respiratory diseases such as asthma, allergy or COPD, you should take the treatment prescribed by a doctor. Respiratory problems linked to metabolic factors can also be counteract by adopting a healthy lifestyle, losing weight and being physically active. In all other cases, the remedies and appropriate treatment will be indicated by a doctor, after a thorough examination.
When is most likely to contact your doctor in case of dyspnea?
In case of sudden shortness of breath and a condition that does not diminishes after a while, an intervention in the ER should be requested.
It is necessary to seek medical attention when:
- shortness of breath is sudden and does not dim in a few moments
- the condition worsens or is persistent
- breathing becomes accelerated (more than 40 breaths in one minute)
- the child or the elderly are forced to sit in order to breathe
- the child or the elderly have heart problems
- the problem occurs with a premature baby
